Fischer Panda UK demonstrated its full system capabilities to supply reliable, cost-effective electric drive solutions to its inland waterways customers at a successful Crick Boat Show.

Reflecting the increasing interest in alternatives to traditional petrol or diesel drive systems, the Fischer Panda stand was busy with visitors enquiring about electric powered vessels and equipment installation options for silent and emission free cruising on canals and rivers.

The leading integrated marine system specialist highlighted its range of full package, electric drive hybrid systems, incorporating either a Fischer Panda ‘Easy Box’ Electric Drive System or Bellmarine system, an AGT DC genset or AC generator, and a Mastervolt BMS (Battery Management System) to provide a central information point for the electrical system, all linked through the Mastervolt MasterBus network.

Chris Fower, of Fischer Panda UK, said: “There has been a very big increase in interest about electric drive as boat owners look to protect the superb cruising waters of the UK’s rivers and canals, as well as ensuring they are ready and compliant for any newly designated low emission areas.

“With our strengthened portfolio of technically advanced systems, we are well placed to meet the specific cruising needs of our customers. We have the capability to develop the right system for virtually any craft from basic low-cost power drives charged via shore power only, through to full hybrid systems linked to our compact and efficient generators that can quickly recharge the batteries quieter and faster than any other generator of comparable size and weight. We have already fitted systems to sailboats, cruising boats, ferries and narrowboats.”

Electric power can provide all the power and manoeuvrability needed for cruising, with batteries charged through the on-board charger when connected to shore power. The Fischer Panda Whisperprop and Bellmarine electric propulsion systems dramatically reduce annual maintenance costs over standard petrol or diesel engines. Fuel costs plummet with the systems providing very quiet operation.

Fischer Panda UK is now the exclusive UK distributor for Bellmarine electric drive systems, adding the Bellmarine DriveMaster and SailMaster systems and accessories to its highly respected range of Fischer Panda systems. The new liquid-cooled range of DriveMaster Ultimate systems allows for exact temperature management and improved efficiency. Developed to cope with the harsh maritime environment, all models include motor with integrated thrust bearing, mounting frames and smart controller for compact installations, less noise and vibrations and higher efficiency.

Fischer Panda UK supplies electric and hybrid drive systems to both commercial and private boat builders and owners for newly built vessels or retro-fitting. It can offer drive systems in the range from 2 kW to 100 kW, available with voltages ranging from 24V to 360V depending on the power requirements.

Fischer Panda UK recommends its quiet-running AGT DC generators as the perfect support for electric propulsion drives for inland waterway craft as they dramatically extend a vessel’s cruising range and keep the batteries well charged in the most efficient method possible. Alternatively, a range of Fischer Panda AC fixed and variable speed generators are also suitable.

To complete the Fischer Panda package, the Mastervolt Battery Management System will monitor and manage the electrical system onboard and provide a central information point for batteries, current, voltage and time remaining via the Easy View 5 coloured touch screen display.

The system is all linked through the Mastervolt MasterBus network, a platform which enables you to manage, monitor or operate equipment locally, centrally or even from your home. The intelligent, one-cable MasterBus network greatly simplifies wiring, saving you valuable space and weight. Additionally, you can automate and customise your system to meet all your requirements.

Much of the system is fed through the supplied Mass Combi Ultra Inverter/Charger to provide seamless power from the batteries when the generator is not operational or act as a mains charger when the generator or shore power is connected.